The Michigan Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, under the direction of award-winning Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Nan Harrison Washburn, provides a unique, enriching and exciting musical experience for aspiring young players throughout Southeastern Michigan, especially in Plymouth, Canton, Northville, Novi, Bellville, Westland and other areas of Western Wayne County. MPYO currently offers a full program of three orchestras and a flute choir, workshops and master classes with prominent guest soloists and composers, and yearly side-by-side performances with the professional musicians of the Michigan Philharmonic. MPYO students attend many different local area public and private schools and homeschool.The MPYO performs two major concerts, both at the beautiful Village Theater at Cherry Hill in Canton and an outdoor pops concert in Kellogg Park in Plymouth. Weekly Tuesday evening rehearsals are held at the Plymouth Community Arts Council, the home also for the Michigan Philharmonic offices.

In addition to Artistic Director Nan Washburn, professional violinist and teacher Hektor Qyteti is also on the MPYO staff, conducting both the MPYO Strings and Sinfonia orchestras.